Did you know?
Under Michigan law, the flag of each branch of service is flown over the state Capitol on the service founding date. In June, we put the U.S. Army in the spotlight and then the U.S. Coast Guard in August. Still to come: the Navy, and Marines. Today, we honor and salute the men and women — past and present — who proudly represent the United States Air Force.
The Air Force at a Glance:
- Founded September 18, 1947
- Motto: Motto: “Aim High … Fly-Fight-Win”
- Colors: Ultramarine Blue and Golden Yellow
- March: “U.S. Air Force”
Photo credit: www.FlagPictures.org
At 68 years old, the United States Air Force (USAF) is the youngest of the five military branches. Originally, it was part of the U.S. Army, but became a separate branch under the National Security Act of 1947, which restructured the United States government’s military and intelligence agencies following World War II. The USAF is one of thee military departments of the Department of Defense and is headed by the Secretary of the Air Force, a civilian position appointed by the President.
Today, the United States Air Force is the largest and most technologically advanced air force in the world, with about 5778 manned aircraft in service. The USAF has 328,439 personnel on active duty, 74,000 in the Selected and Individual Ready Reserves, and 106,000 in the Air National Guard.
Learn more at www.AF.mil or www.AirForce.com.
The Air Force on Film
- No Time for Sergeants (1958)
- Red Tails (2012)
About Sarah Hovis